Newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism

[kphillips61]

Hello everyone, my name is Karen, I am 56 and I have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I suspect though, that I have had this for quite some time, 2 years at least. What I initially thought was the symptoms of menopause, may have actually been the onset of under active thyroid. I'm just looking to hear others experiences, so I can get myself on the right track.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Kphillips61.

Puberty, pregnancy and menopause are known triggers for hypothyroidism.

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.2 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.

It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose. Symptoms may lag behind good biochemistry by several months.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[kphillips61 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for the info. I've already made an appointment for a follow up with my gp, I only found out on Friday, so this is all very new to me. I have been researching much of today and it's nowhere near as daunting as I first thought.